Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON APRIL 22, 2009 AT THE CITY HALL

Present:

Hon. Cynthia G. Cajudo- - - - - - - - - - - - - - City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Gina G. Perez - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City Councilor

Hon. John Carlos G. Delos Reyes- - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano–Garcia - - - - “ “

Hon. Edwin J. Piano - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Angelito W. Baloy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.- - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Anselmo A. Aquino- - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Jonathan G. Manalo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Cheenee F. Hoya- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SK Federation President

Absent:

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - President, Liga ng mga Barangay

(On Official Business)

Call to Order

The City Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer Cynthia G. Cajudo called the session to order at 4:35 in the afternoon.

Councilor Rodel S. Cerezo moved for the appointment of the Temporary Secretary, Ms. Joy P. Niñonuevo in lieu of the Councilor Secretary who was attending the PLEASES Convention in Zambales.

Roll Call

With eleven (11) Members and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared. However, Councilor Lugerna Lipumano-Garcia arrived during the discussion on the First Reading.

.

Hon. Carlito Baloy was on official business as he attended the opening of the “Sibit-Sibit Festival” in Barretto.

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

On motion of Councilor Gina Perez, the minutes of the regular session dated March 25, 2009 was adopted unanimously by the body, after some clarifications aired by SK President Cheenee F. Hoya.

Reading and Approval of the Day’s Agenda

Before the approval of the day’s agenda, Councilor Rodel S. Cerezo read the items on 1st and 2nd reading, to wit:

First Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-051 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Neorex Philkor Inc. Represented By Its President Hong Sik Park Regarding Scholarship Grants And Ratifying The Same. Sponsored By Councilor Jonathan G. Manalo. (Referred to the Committee on Education)

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-052 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Sign The Deed Of Donation For And In Behalf Of The City Of Olongapo With The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Regarding The R A5 Vigilante And F8 Crusader Jet Planes Left By The U.S. Navy That Has Historical And Cultural Heritage Of The City. Sponsored By Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole)

3. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-053 – A Resolution Calling The Attention Of The Operator Of The Subic Freeport Expressway To Consider Providing Free U-Turn Access After SCTEX Toll Gate For The Convenience Of Olongapo Motorists And Visitors. Sponsored By Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole)

Second Reading:

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 O-39 – An Ordinance Withdrawing 20th (Rizal Avenue To Canda Street); 21st Street (Rizal Avenue To Canda Street); And Barretto (20th Street To 21st Street) Streets From Public Use. Sponsored By Councilors Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. And Elena C. Dabu

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-049 – A Resolution Approving The Request Of Barangay New Cabalan To Operate A Mini Fair Within Their Jurisdiction Subject To The Prescribed Guidelines Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod. Sponsored By Councilor Angelito W. Baloy

3. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-050 – A Resolution Approving The Request Of Barangay Sta. Rita To Operate A Mini Fair Within Their Jurisdiction Subject To The Prescribed Guidelines Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod. Sponsored By Councilor Angelito W. Baloy

Councilor Cortez manifested to change the title of item no. 3 on the First Reading to read as, “A Resolution Requesting Toll Management Corporation The Operator Of The Subic Freeport Expressway To Consider Providing Free U-Turn Access After SCTEX Toll Gate For The Convenience Of Olongapo Motorists And Tourists.” Unanimous Sponsorship.

Councilor Cortez also moved to change the title of item no. 2 on the First Reading to read as, “A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon Jr. To Sign The Deed Of Donation For And In Behalf Of The City Of Olongapo With The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Regarding The R A5 Vigilante And F8 Crusader Jet Planes Left By The U.S. Navy That Have Historical And Cultural Significance To The City And As A Heritage.”

The body unanimously approved the Day’s Agenda as amended.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Memorandum from Joseph Arnold C. Lopez, City Veterinarian, Olongapo City for the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. regarding the Comparative Monthly Statement Of Income for the month of March 2009, Year 2008 and 2009. There was a mark increase of PhP7,522.00 as compared to last year. (Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for review)

2. Invitation from the Subic Bay Resorts Association, in coordination with the Beach Boulevard Business Ass’n regarding the Sibit-Sibit Festival 2009, Beach Boulevard, Barretto, Olongapo City on April 23 – 25, 2009 for the Olongapo City’s Grand Summer Beach Event. (For notation)

3. 1st endorsement from the City Mayor, addressed to the Hon. City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo and Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod about the copy of the memorandum from Engr. Marivic J. Nierras, Officer-In-Charge, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) suggesting names for existing alleys of the city. (Referred to the Committee on Lands)

4. Notice of Power Interruption from the Public Utilities Department on April 28, 2009 from 9:00 to 10:00 PM. affecting areas/Metering PUD 69kv, the whole of Olongapo from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. (For notation)

5. Petition letter from the Olongapo Fil-Chinese Chamber Of Commerce, addressed to the Hon. City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr., Hon. City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo and Hon. City Councilors to bring to their attention the primary stand of the Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce on their major concerns relative to draft City Ordinance O-39 withdrawing the public use the 20th and 21st streets and Barretto Streets. (Referred to the Committee on Land and for information of everyone)

6. Memorandum from Hon. Elena C. Dabu, City Councilor, Committee Chair on Livelihood, Gender & Development, Social Services and Market & Slaughter House regarding her Committee Report that she attended the Central Luzon Federation of Persons with Disability Meeting yesterday April 21, 2009 at the Women’s Center at Barangay Sta. Rita. Officers and members were welcomed by the CSWD staff, 30 representatives attended headed by Mr. Rodolfo Mendoza (the Regional President) Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Zambales and Olongapo City, with them also are the staff of DSWD-Region III, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. (For information)

7. Notice of Initial Hearing of the Regional Trial Court, Third Judicial Region, Branch 72, Olongapo City of the Land Reg. Case No. N-01-0-2001 with LRA Record No. 73803. It is an amended application having filed in the above entitled case by New Columban College, represented by Msgr. Crisostomo Cacho and by Atty. Andrew M. Penullar, Olongapo City. (Referred to the Committee on Lands for information and guidance and proper action)

8. Invitation from PRN Quality Training & Seminar Links, Inc. addressed to the City Mayor, attention: The Sangguniang Panlungsod, Secretary and Legislative Staff on their 5-day seminar to be held at Social Hall, DAP Conference Center, Sungay East, Tagaytay City. This is regarding legislative tracking. (For information and Committee on Lands)

9. 1st endorsement signed by the City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. forwarding to the Vice Mayor and Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod the copy of Resolution of Land Administration and Management Steering Committee requesting for an ordinance creating a special fund or trust fund for the continuous operation of the Olongapo City Unified Land Information System. (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations)

10. Invitation to the Lady Local Legislators’ League of the Philippines Luzon Area Conference on May 7-9, 2009, Holiday Inn Clark, Pampanga. (For information)

11. Invitation to the Honorable City Councilors from the Bagumbayan-Volunteers for New Philippines requesting their presence in gathering of Filipinos for love of country and the common good to start a movement for change. The Grand Launching and National Convention of Bagumbayan will be held on Monday, the 27th of April, 2009, registration begins at 8:00 in the morning. The attire would be solid red, smart casual. (For notation)

Committee Reports

Councilor Ellen Dabu rendered her committee report as Committee Chair on Social Services. She informed the body that she attended the Central Luzon Federation of Persons with Disabilities Meeting on April 21, 2008 at the Women’s Center in Brgy. Sta. Rita. A total of 30 representatives were present who are all differently-abled persons. The Regional President is Mr. Rodolfo Mendoza. The representatives came from the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Zambales and Olongapo City. According to the Councilor, the Presiding Officer gave a feedback report regarding the Regional Development Council Meeting. It has passed Resolution No. 3 which encouraged the Local Chief Executives in each province, city or municipality to create an office for persons with disabilities and expand programs for the disabled. The City of Olongapo was fortunate to be one of the areas with already an existing PWD Office. The Councilor added that they reported to the federation the accomplishment of the city’s PWD association. These were as follows:

1. Self-Help Organization of PWD and Related Parent Association.

2. Community Based Management System survey of the PWDs in the barangays. In Brgy. Asinan, there are 21 PWD; Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac, 79; Brgy. East Tapinac 39; Brgy. New Ilalim 7; Brgy New Kababae 24; Brgy. Old Cabalan 56; Brgy. Pag-asa 48; and Brgy. West Tapinac 88. A total of 362 PWD’s are here in the city.

3. Issuance of the PWD Identification Card. There were 324 PWD ID’s released. The 20% discount are already being availed by the PWDs at the Mercury Drug and in different food chains.

4. The Maintenance of the Office of the Persons with Disabilities (OPDA)

5. The Identification and Coordination with Member-Agencies for the welfare of the PWDs, which are the following:

a. Pag-asa of Buhay Association for Differently Abled Person

b. SPED – Columban

c. SPED – Olongapo City National High School

d. SPED – Old Cabalan

e. SPED – New Kalalake

f. ANAKBIDA

g. Autism Philippine Society

h. Barretto Community Base Rehabilitation Center

i. St. Joseph Centennial Rehabilitation Center

j. Niños Pag-asa

6. Training and Employment

7. Livelihood Projects for PWD. Some are into meat processing, others are into candle making. Their main project is the Convenience Store called “Abot Kamay Tindahan Natin” and the NFA rice selling at the Marikit Park.

For the next committee report, Councilor Gina G. Perez informed the body that she was tasked to attend the Regional Stake Holders Forum of the PNP Integrated Transformation Center with the PNP Chief, Jesus A. Versoza, as the special guest. Around 1,000 people are in attendance consisting of local government officials, representatives from the religious sector from the barangays, barangay police and non-government organizations.

According to Councilor Perez, the idea behind the said activity was to show that there is really a negative public impression on the PNPs which should not be the case, since they are the public protectors and law implementors. PMO Executive Director Edgardo E. Acuña mentioned that currently, they have a program on leadership and innovation in PNP. He explained that one of the reasons why the PNPs come short in their present service are due to the following: 1. patrol vehicles; 2. they need gasoline; 3. communication equipments; 4. housing for PNP personnel since a lot still has no house of their own; and the meager salary of PhP8,600 a month which is why most of the PNPs are indebted.

From the Pulse Asia Survey, the Councilor said that the PNPs have a low public perception of integrity and competency and that the most corrupt are the politicians, next is the PNP, followed by the judiciary. Thus, the PNP Chief Jesus Versoza is following up nationwide the program to strengthen the Police Force in the country. This includes the putting up of Model Police Stations just like the one in Marikina. Also, the President awarded the PNP a PhP10-billion fund for CY 2008-2012. With the said fund, they were able to give 1,570 vehicle units nationwide where the city Innova Police car came from. The PNP is also upgrading the crime laboratory and their Human Resource Development and Management. Furthermore, they were given a salary increase of PhP1,000, so the basic pay is now PhP9,600.00 monthly; scholarship grants; legal assistance; Himlayan project; training service; and the putting-up of stations.

According to Councilor Perez, a torch was presented in the forum. It was said that the torch symbolizes the renewal in the Philippine National Police. The President recognized them as the sixth (6th) Best Working Group in the government. In the speech of PNP Chief Versoza, the Councilor relayed that the PNP Chief, mentioned that the province of Bohol, which is one of those he visited for the conduct of the forum is a model province. Insurgency problems were promptly given response. The PNP Chief, likewise, emphasized the importance of the community support in the PNP Transformation Program, thus the representatives from the LGUs, the business organizations, the NGOs and especially the religious sector were invited in the forum. The control of firearms was one of the programs stressed.

For her last report, Councilor Perez apprised her colleagues, especially the officers of the Philippine Councilor’s Leagues for the schedules in their Technical Sessions. At 10:00 am is the topic on “Global Warming” of Hon. Julio Tingson, the PCL Provincial President of Albay and also the Luzon Island Treasurer; at 11:00 – 1:00 Professor Thomas B. Lopez, Jr., President of the University of Makati, as well as the Marketing Guru from the Asian Institute of Management will give a talk on the Role of LGU on Tourism Development; “At 1:00-3:00 p.m. is the Luzon Island Officers’ meeting; and at 3:00-6:00 p.m. is the Technical Session Part II where Hon. Mayor Rodel N. dela Cruz of Teresa, Rizal will discuss “Republic Act 9003- The Solid Waste Management Act of 2003” because they were the national awardee for the Best Implementation of RA 9003. Then the Councilor from Baliuag, Bulacan and the Luzon Island Vice President, Hon. Enrique dela Cruz, Jr. will discuss the “Quasi-Judicial Power of the Sanggunian.

Councilor Perez added that in the Opening Ceremonies, the Representative from Baguio City, Congressman Mauricio Domogan and the Governor from Isabela, Hon. Grace Padaca will visit and will stand as Guests of Honor.

On the second day, there is one Technical Session by Hon. Ronald Barcena of Antipolo, Rizal to discuss Local Budgeting and Taxation. After this, the Councilors shall proceed to the city tour. They will visit the Botanical Garden, Wright Park, The Mansion, Mines View Park, Camp John Hay, the PMA and the Strawberry Farm. For the Closing Ceremonies, the keynote speaker shall be the CEO of PAGCOR, Chairman Genuino, and the distinguished guest of honor is Senator Manny Villar.

Councilor delos Reyes suggested to record and video important talks and to compile and document for our library.

The Presiding Officer informed the body that the Dawn Watch started on Mach 16 and will end on the 24th, the 40th day of the said Dawn Watch. The entire city, its officials, barangays, businessmen and all other sectors are being prayed over there. She enjoined everyone to attend before it ends on its 40th day which starts from 4:00 a.m. up to 6:00 a.m.

Calendar of Business

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 O-39 – “An Ordinance Withdrawing 20th (Rizal Avenue To Canda Street); 21st Street (Rizal Avenue To Canda Street); And Barretto (20th Street To 21st Street) Streets From Public Use,” was tabled by the body, on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. while awaiting the position papers from the stallholders.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-049 – “A Resolution Approving The Request Of Barangay New Cabalan To Operate A Mini Fair Within Their Jurisdiction Subject To The Prescribed Guidelines Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod.”

Councilor delos Reyes stated for the record his opinion that there is no need to approve the said plan of the barangay to create a mini-fair because this falls under the barangay’s powers stated in the Local Government Code.

Councilor Gie Baloy explained that there is a City Ordinance regarding the hosting of mini-fairs, Ordinance No. 49, which provides that it needs the supervision of the City Engineer’s Office to check on the safety of the rides. This then necessitates a request secured from the august body.

Draft Resolution No. 2009-R-049 was approved by the body unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy.

3. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-050 – “A Resolution Approving The Request Of Barangay Sta. Rita To Operate A Mini Fair Within Their Jurisdiction Subject To The Prescribed Guidelines Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod,” was approved by the body unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy.

Other Matters

A. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-051 – “A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Neorex Philkor Inc. Represented By Its President Hong Sik Park Regarding Scholarship Grants And Ratifying The Same,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter, on motion of Councilor Jonathan G. Manalo.

For the background, Councilor Manalo informed the body that Neorex Philkor, Inc. is the owner of Ocean 9 which is being constructed at SBMA. As part of their community social responsibility, the said company offered the city $1,000.00 donation or financial assistance for the City’s Scholarship Program for a period of one year, unless the contract is renewed. As an attachment the signed Memorandum of Agreement and the Board Resolution Authorizing President Hong Sik Park to enter into a MOA with the City Government will serve as its integral part.

Draft Resolution No. 2009-R-051 was approved by a majority vote, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Jonathan G. Manalo.

Nine (9) voted in favor, one (1) opposed and one (1) abstained.

Councilor delos Reyes, for the record, expressed that he is totally opposed to any form of gambling whether it is legal or illegal.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia arrived after the votes were casted, and mentioned that she has no idea on what the topic was all about thus she abstained.

B. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-052 - “A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Sign The Deed Of Donation For And In Behalf Of The City Of Olongapo With The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Regarding The R A5 Vigilante And F8 Crusader Jet Planes Left By The U.S. Navy That Has Historical And Cultural Heritage Of The City,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter, on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

Councilor Cortez recounted that Resolution No. 17, Series of 2005 is a resolution about the planes located at SUBAC. However, there is a need to pass a new resolution to request for the two jet planes and to correct the description of the plane at SUBAC. The Councilor added that the other purpose of the measure is to get the jet planes from a locator who is also eyeing the one located at the County Complex. The said jet planes are planned to be displayed by the city and will be a good tourism site, similar to the Dayot’s Park in Camp Fort Del Pilar, PMA where military units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are on display.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia asked if the jet planes are owned by SBMA.

Councilor Cortez affirmed, and said that this is the reason why a Resolution from the City Council is needed so that the SBMA Board of Directors could act on the proposed resolution to transfer the requested items to the City of Olongapo.

Councilor delos Reyes commented on the last phrase of the title. He asked the proponent to check if the phrase “as a heritage” is grammatically correct.

The Presiding Officer declared a recess on motion of Councilor Rodel Cerezo.

Recess: 5:23 p.m.

Resumed: 5:25 p.m.

For the record, Councilor Cortez read the title of the Draft Resolution which was stated as: “A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon Jr. To Sign The Deed Of Donation For And In Behalf Of The City Of Olongapo With The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Regarding The R A5 Vigilante And F8 Crusader Jet Planes Left By The U.S. Navy That Have Historical And Cultural Significance To The City,”

Draft Resolution No. 2009-R-052 was approved by the body unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

C. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-053 – “A Resolution Requesting Toll Management Corporation The Operator Of The Subic Freeport Expressway To Consider Providing Free U-Turn Access After SCTEX Toll Gate For The Convenience Of Olongapo Motorists And Tourists,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter and was approved unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.”

D. Councilor Rodel Cerezo mentioned that the Regular Session the following week will fall on the day of the PCL Congress. He likewise said that there are no items under the Second Reading.

E. The Presiding Officer reminded everybody that the City Council is in-charge of the Flag Ceremony on May 4.

F. The Presiding Officer solicited the decision of the body if they would agree to advertise in the anniversary edition of the Olongapo Express which would entail the amount of PhP16,000.00. The body gave its approval. She then suggested if the City Council can make a collage of what the Council does as for the aforesaid advertisement.

G. Departure time of the Councilors on Monday is at 5:30 a.m. according to Councilor Cerezo.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 5:30 in the afternoon, on motion of Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino.

I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE

CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:

JOCELYN PASCUAL-NIÑONUEVO

Temporary Council Secretary

ATTEST:

CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO

City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer